No. 23 – UK regions, theEuropeanUnionandmanufacturingexports 3 • However, four further questions need to be asked. Firstly, how does the export of goods to the EU compare with exports to the rest of the world, across the different regions and nations of the UK? • Figure 2 demonstrates some striking results in this regard. For instance, the North East is far more dependent in terms of goods exports on the EU than on the rest of the world, despite exporting relatively few goods to the EU compared to other regions. The same applies to the South West and Northern Ireland. • London, Scotlandand Wales are less dependent in terms of goods exports on the EU than other regions, and Yorkshire is more dependent than most, despite exporting fewer goods in total to the EU than, for instance, the Midlands regions. 70 Fig 2: Proportion of goods exports going to EU 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 2013 2014 2015 • Secondly, how do goods exports from different UK regions and nations to the EU compare with exports to the rest of the world when measured on a per capita basis, that is, when differences in population are taken into account?

No. 23 – UK regions, theEuropeanUnionandmanufacturingexports 4 3500 Fig 3. Per capita value of goods exports to EU by region (£m, 2015 prices) 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 2012 2013 2014 2015 0 • Figure 3 shows that the North East now actually exports more goods to the EU than any other region, measured per head of population. Wales also exports significantly more goods on this measure than suggested by the results for total value of goods exports. • Figure 3 also demonstrates that some regions (mainly the North East, South West and West Midlands) have seen the value of goods exports to the EU rise over the period studied; while it may be correct to claim that trade with the EU has become less important to the UK overall, this clearly does not apply to every region. • Thirdly, what does the trade relationship between the EU andthe UK’s regions and nations look like once goods imports are also taken into account? This information helps us to understand more broadly the extent of integration between UK regions andthe EU. • Figure 4 demonstrates significant differences in this regard. The North East is the only English region to have consistently had a substantive goods trade surplus with the EU in recent years. Wales and Scotland both also have a goods trade surplus with the EU. • The North West and Yorkshire have only small goods trade deficits with the EU, which contrasts with the very significant goods trade deficits for the East of England, London, and particularly the South East.